Despite financial mess, city libraries continue restorations

The latest new library in San Diego, the Otay Mesa/Nestor library, opened its doors Friday. It's the forth in an ambitious program to rebuild or refurbish more than 20 branch libraries city wide. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

In spite of the city's financial problems, community block grants and developer fees continue to fund new libraries this is the first in district 8 at the southern end of the city. Mel Katz, chair of the Library Commission, says library use is at an all time high.

Katz: "This library is taking a 5,000 square foot library and turning it into a 15,000 foot library there's computer labs, places for students to get help with their homework, people are there from the time we open to the time we close every single day."

New libraries for Logan Heights and Mission Hills are in the works
Katz says he expects to announce gifts of around $40 million towards the new main library building downtown sometime this year. Alison St John, KPBS news.

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